On 17th January 2016, the National Migrants day was celebrated at the Vatican.

 

A large number of migrants communities partecipated from Lazio region under Migrantes Foundation directives.

 

The event started at midday with the Angelus prayer by His Holiness Pope Francis and His blessing.

 

Pope Francis has urged migrants and refugees not to allow difficulties deprive them of hope and of the joy of life.

 

“Your presence in this square – he continued - is a sign of hope in God.”

 

The Pope reminded the faithful that Jesus does not present himself as a judge, ready to condemn our faults, nor as a commander who demands we blindly follow his orders.

 

The Srilankan Catholic community of Rome - Infernetto was lead by Most Rev. Msgr. Neville Joe Perera, National Coordinator for CEI.

 

Subsequently, The migrants had the opportunity to cross the Holy door and had a Holy Mass inside the Basilica of St. Peter celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Vegliò, President of Pontifical Migrants Council which organized the Holy Mass.

 

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